Discernment
/dɪˈsɜːrnmənt/
nounC1
Definition
Discernment means being able to recognize or understand something clearly, especially when it is not obvious. It involves careful thinking and good judgment to tell the difference between things, ideas, or people, often to make smart decisions.
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⚡ See It in Action
The ability to judge well or understand clearly
- •She showed great discernment when choosing the best candidate for the job.
- •His discernment helped him avoid many mistakes in business.
- •Parents need discernment to know what is best for their children.
The skill to notice small differences or details
- •Artists have strong discernment for colors and shapes.
- •The wine expert’s discernment allowed her to identify the rare vintage.
- •Discernment is important when reading between the lines in a story.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "discernment" like "seeing," but not just with your eyes—it's like seeing with your mind to understand hidden or small differences.
- ✓Picture someone looking carefully at two very similar paintings and noticing small details that others miss.
- ✓It's the feeling when you know the right choice because you understand the situation deeply, like choosing a good friend.
- ✓Sounds like "dis-CERN-ment" → Imagine a person "cern-ing" (earning) wisdom by carefully studying something before deciding.
- ✓Think of a wise judge or a teacher who can tell if a student really understands or is just guessing.
- ✓NOT like "guess" (random choice)—discernment is careful and thoughtful, based on real understanding.
- ✓NOT like "see" (just with eyes)—discernment is seeing with your brain, understanding meaning or truth.
- ✓NOT like "confuse" (not clear)—discernment is the opposite, it brings clarity and understanding.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Insight: deep understanding of a situation or problem (Use when emphasizing understanding, not just noticing differences)
- •Perception: the way you notice or understand things with your senses or mind (Use when focusing on how you see or feel something)
- •Judgment: the ability to make decisions or form opinions (Use when focusing on deciding right or wrong)
- •Awareness: knowing about something (Use when focusing on being conscious or mindful)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "dis-" (apart, away) + "cern" (to separate, distinguish) + "-ment" (noun suffix meaning the action or result)
- •Etymology: From Latin "discernere," meaning to separate or distinguish between things
- •Historical development: The word was first used in English in the 15th century to mean separating or distinguishing carefully
- •Modern usage: Used to describe the mental skill of understanding, judging, and noticing differences clearly, often in complex or unclear situations
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How do you use discernment in your daily life when making choices?
•Can discernment be learned, or is it something people are born with?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Good discernment is needed when you have to ___ between two very similar options.
2.She showed discernment by ___ the true meaning behind his words.
3.Unlike guessing, discernment requires careful ___ and attention.
4.People with discernment often ___ the small details others miss.
5.Discernment helps you make ___ decisions, not just quick guesses.
6.You can improve your discernment by ___ different opinions and thinking carefully.
7.When someone lacks discernment, they might ___ easily or make poor choices.